Sen. Greg Hertz

Maddy summarySB 109 revises Montana's workers' compensation law by expanding the definition of "treating physician." This bill includes physical therapists within that definition, allowing them to serve as primary treating providers for injured workers. This change directly affects workers seeking care for injuries and physical therapists providing treatment under workers' compensation claims. The bill amends Section 39-71-116, MCA.

Maddy summarySB 338 authorizes a "benefits administrator" to receive workers' compensation payments on behalf of minor children or individuals deemed incompetent. This expands the list of parties who can receive such payments, which previously included parents, guardians, or conservators. The bill grants the workers' compensation judge the authority to appoint and terminate these benefits administrators. Parties can petition the judge for this appointment without needing to satisfy other dispute resolution requirements first.

Maddy summarySB 33 transfers the authority for building code review, permitting, inspection, and enforcement for public buildings owned or operated by state government entities. These responsibilities, previously held by counties, cities, and towns, will now be managed by the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill amends existing law to establish this change, centralizing the oversight of state building codes under a state-level department. This directly affects state agencies and the regulatory process for their construction projects.

Maddy summarySB 261 revises the existing law concerning endangering the welfare of children. It expands the definition of this offense to include knowingly exposing a child to marijuana or dangerous drugs. The bill also makes it an offense to assist a child in entering an adult-use dispensary or a place where human trafficking or the production of dangerous drugs is taking place. Additionally, it updates sections related to drug manufacturing and exposure in the presence of children to apply to a broader range of dangerous drugs instead of specifically methamphetamine.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 94 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointment of Adam Millinoff to the Montana Tax Appeal Board. This resolution signifies the Senate's concurrence, confirmation, and consent for Mr. Millinoff to serve on the board for a term ending January 1, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 78) formally confirms the Governor's appointment of Brendan Beatty as Director of the Montana Department of Revenue. The resolution was passed by the Montana Senate to approve the appointment as required by state law, following the Governor's submission of the nomination on January 6, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1 revises Montana's legal definition of a "blighted area" in urban renewal law (Section 7-15-4206, MCA). It adds specific criteria to determine blight, including "deterioration of building structure components or infrastructure" and "buildings that endanger life, limb, health, property, or safety." This change directly affects municipalities using tax increment financing and urban renewal programs, as the updated definition will determine which areas qualify for redevelopment funding. The bill does not create new programs but refines the existing legal standard for identifying blighted areas.

Maddy summarySB 86 revises Montana's laws governing automatic external defibrillator (AED) programs. It requires entities (like schools, businesses, or public venues) using AEDs to create written plans detailing AED locations, authorized users, CPR/AED training, coordination with local emergency medical services, and maintenance records. The bill eliminates the Department of Public Health's authority to create rules about AEDs and updates enforcement: violations now trigger a written cease order from the department, with entities able to request a hearing within 30 days. These changes aim to clarify AED program requirements and streamline oversight.

Maddy summaryThis Montana joint resolution (SJ 8) requests a study of special districts that collect property taxes, which account for roughly 10% of the state's total property tax revenue. The study, to be completed by September 2026, will categorize these districts, examine their funding mechanisms (including fees not tied to mill levies), and assess whether current reporting requirements are sufficient. It does not change existing laws but aims to improve data on special districts' purposes, areas, funding, and spending. The final report will be submitted to Montana's 70th Legislature for consideration.